East St. Louis Senior High running back Nate Strong is finishing his high school football career for the Flyers like the running back he was heralded to be.
He was one of the most heralded athletes ever in the state of Illinois coming out of middle school, and fighting injuries has hampered him throughout high school. Finally healthy, Strong is providing all of us glimpses of his true potential at the next level.
The University of Missouri recruit provided big runs during the Flyers thrashing of No. 3 seed Peoria Richwoods in the opening round of the Illinois class 6-A state football series Saturday in Peoria, Illinois.
Strong, along with Marvin “Beast Mode” Young, combined for 425 yards on the ground. Young had 25 carries for 261 yards and 1 touchdown. Strong had 12 totes for 164 yards 2 touchdowns.
With the game in the balance in a very hostile environment, tied 7-7 with 2:11 left in the 3rd quarter, Flyers coach Darren Sunkett called on his 5’11” 203-pound speedster to go to work.
Strong took a handoff from Flyers quarterback Reyondus Estes, turned up field and galloped 70 yards to give the Flyers a 14-7 lead.
But on the ensuing kick-off, Richwoods’ Steve Covington took it to the house with a 85 yard return that pulled the Knights within reach, 14-13 (PAT was no good ) with 1:56 to go in the third.
Switching ends of the field going into the wind, Sunkett dialed Strong’s number quickly on the first series in the 4th quarter.
The MIZZOU recruit romped from 14 yards out to quickly to give East St. Louis some breathing room 21-13 with 11:54 to play.
The Flyers outscored the Knights 26-6 in the final quarter to advance to the 2nd round Saturday at “The House of Pain” Clyde C. Jordan Stadium. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.
Having amassed over 3,000 total yards during his high school career. Strong has rushed for 1,247 yards and 14 touchdowns this year for East St. Louis.
Strong has also had plenty to overcome as a kid. His mom passed away due to cancer at an early age. Strong quickly got involved in sports and has dedicated his hard work and faith to her.
Strong was treated like a rock star throughout the state. He had a man’s body when he was in middle school. He never lost a football game in middle school for head coach Mike Hill, averaging over 250 yards per game. Hill is now the running back coach at East St. Louis, and a father figure to Strong for years.
Hill is the brother of the only man whose Flyers jersey was retired, former Flyers head coach Terry Hill. Terry and NFL Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow were teammates at East Side and Missouri.
In addition, Mike Hill was Strong’s middle school coach when strong ran a blazing 10.92 100 meter and a blazing 22.03 200 meter as a 7th and 8th grader.
Topping that off, Strong led his middle school basketball team to a 22-7 record and the class 8-3A state championship over Teutopolis Wooden Shoes in front of 5,000 people.
Fans wanted autographs. Strong posed for pictures and held babies. He has always had stardom all over him.
He has been the first to admit to many who have earned his trust that he is not perfect and has to mature in many ways. As a young man who has been through a lot, losing his mother at such a young age, he has not trusted many.
But the Mike Hills, Don Spencers, and a few others really know this young man. We are so proud of him, and not only for his accomplishments as an athlete. Â But it couldn’t happen too a better kid who will have a chance to go to college for his mom.
And for you adult haters, I ask: What were you doing during your high school days?
